Beric the Briton · Chapter
A Wolf Hunt explained
Beric returns to the house of Caius Muro and visits Berenice, discussing the oppressive rule of Decianus and the growing unrest among the Trinobantes.
What happens
Beric returns to the house of Caius Muro and visits Berenice, discussing the oppressive rule of Decianus and the growing unrest among the Trinobantes. He recounts his wolf hunt adventure. Beric then begins training a company of Britons in Roman military discipline, overcoming initial resistance and laughter from the tribesmen, and eventually gaining their respect and interest.
Themes in this chapter
Cultural Clash and Assimilation
Beric contrasts Roman and British views on women, religion, and military discipline, highlighting the cultural divide and his attempt to adopt Roman tactics.
Freedom vs. Oppression
Decianus' tyranny and the Romans' destruction of Mona fuel British resentment and desire for revolt, as discussed by Beric and Berenice.
Resilience and Survival
Beric's training of the Britons in Roman discipline reflects their resilience and determination to adapt and survive against a superior military power.
Characters to notice
- Beric
Returns to Caius Muro's house, visits Berenice, recounts the wolf hunt, and begins drilling a company of Britons in Roman military tactics.
- Berenice
Greets Beric at home, expresses boredom and fear of the unrest, and discusses the differences between Roman and British women.
- Boduoc
Chosen by Beric as his second in command during the training of the British company.
- Caius Muro
Beric arrives at his house; he is away at war.
- Parta
Delighted with Beric's plans, she orders the men to be fed from her flocks and herds.
- Catus Decianus
Mentioned as a haughty tyrant sent by Nero, levying harsh exactions on the Britons.
Key passages
“The news of the destruction of the Druids at Mona had by them been hailed as a final and most crushing blow to the resistance of the Britons.”
The Romans celebrated the destruction of the Druids on Mona as a decisive victory over British resistance.
Sets the historical context of Roman oppression and British despair.
“Decianus, a haughty tyrant who had been sent to Britain by Nero as a mark of signal favour, in order that he might enrich himself by the spoils of the Britons, was levying exactions at a rate hitherto unknown, treating the people as if they were but dirt under his feet.”
Decianus, a cruel official appointed by Nero, was extorting unprecedented taxes from the Britons, treating them with utter contempt.
Highlights the tyranny that fuels the rebellion.
“Our women are brought up differently, Berenice. We regard them as altogether our equals, and many of our tribes are ruled by women.”
Beric explains that British women are raised as equals and some tribes are even led by queens.
Illustrates cultural differences between Romans and Britons regarding gender roles.
“It seems to me that the Romans are bent upon crushing us down altogether. They have just captured our Holy Island, slaying the priests and priestesses, and overthrowing the altars, while Nero’s officers wring from the people the last coin and the last animal they possess.”
Beric believes the Romans intend to completely subjugate the Britons, having destroyed their sacred sites and stripped them of their wealth.
Expresses the growing desperation and anger among the Britons.
“Why do they conquer you? ... because you can never throw them into confusion. Charge down upon them and break them, and they at once reunite and a solid wall opposes your scattered efforts.”
Beric explains that the Romans' discipline allows them to regroup quickly, unlike the Britons who fight chaotically.
Beric's rationale for adopting Roman military training.
